Columns
The face of Manipulative History in the Itsekiri Narrative of Warri as their Homeland.
By Benedict Binebai
Manipulative history often distorts the truth by presenting a biased interpretation of events, omitting key facts, and misrepresenting evidence to fit a specific narrative or ideology. This can be achieved through propaganda, simplification, or stereotyping, which can be used to influence opinions or beliefs.The Itsekiri history of Warri justifies the subheadings of manipulative history in the following ways:
Biased Interpretation
The Itsekiri narrative often portrays themselves as the sole founders and owners of Warri, downplaying the roles and contributions of other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This selective presentation of facts supports a predetermined narrative of Itsekiri dominance and ownership.
Omission of Key Facts
The Itsekiri narrative often omits or glosses over the historical conflicts and power struggles between the Itsekiri and other communities, such as the Urhobo and Ijaw. This omission of key facts creates an incomplete and inaccurate picture of Warri’s history.
Distortion of Evidence
The Itsekiri narrative often misrepresents or manipulates historical evidence to support their claims to dominance and ownership. For example, they may emphasize their historical relationships with European colonizers to justify their perceived superiority over other communities.
Propaganda
The narrative often uses emotive language and loaded terminology to influence readers’ opinions or beliefs. For example, they use terms like “founding fathers” or “traditional owners” to emphasize their perceived historical rights and privileges.
Simplification or Stereotyping
The Itsekiri narrative often oversimplifies the complex historical relationships between the Itsekiri and other communities, portraying themselves as the sole beneficiaries of Western education, Christianity, and modernization. This oversimplification perpetuates negative stereotypes about other communities and reinforces Itsekiri exceptionalism.
Lack of Transparency
The Itsekiri narrative often lacks transparency regarding its sources, methods, and potential biases. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to evaluate the historical narrative critically and identify potential manipulations or distortions.
Emotional Manipulation
The Itsekiri narrative often uses emotive appeals or sensationalism to elicit a specific response or reaction from readers. For example, they may emphasize their historical cultural heritage or traditional practices to evoke a sense of nostalgia or pride, while downplaying the cultural heritage and traditions of other communities.
By examining the Itsekiri history of Warri through these subheadings, it becomes clear that the narrative exhibits characteristics of manipulative history, which can be used to justify a particular agenda or ideology.
Consequences of Manipulative History
Manipulative history can have far-reaching consequences, including the perpetuation of biases and stereotypes, justification of oppression or dominance, and erosion of trust in historical narratives and institutions. By distorting the past, manipulative history can create a false narrative that supports a particular agenda or ideology, leading to ongoing social and cultural tensions. This can contribute to polarization and conflict, as certain groups may feel marginalized or excluded from the dominant narrative.
The consequences of manipulative history can also be seen in the loss of cultural heritage and the undermining of critical thinking. By erasing or distorting certain narratives or perspectives, manipulative history can lead to a lack of understanding and appreciation for the complexities of the past. Furthermore, manipulative history can inform poor decision-making and policy development in the present, as inaccurate lessons are drawn from a distorted past. Ultimately, manipulative history can have a profound impact on our understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, highlighting the importance of promoting accurate and nuanced historical narratives.
In the realm of the Niger Delta, where the mighty rivers flow and the Atlantic Ocean’s waves crash against the shore, a legendary entity has emerged to safeguard the nation’s maritime interests. Tantita, a name synonymous with protection and vigilance, has become the embodiment of maritime and economic security in Nigeria.
Tantita’s significance extends far beyond its role as a mere maritime security agency. It is a power of hope, a shining example of Nigeria’s determination to protect its waters and harness its economic potential. With its unbending commitment to security and stability, Tantita has become the guardian of Nigeria’s maritime realm, ensuring the safe passage of vessels and the uninterrupted flow of commerce.
Tantita’s impact on Nigeria’s economy cannot be overstated. By protecting the nation’s maritime assets and preventing piracy, oil theft, and other illicit activities, Tantita has helped to safeguard the country’s economic lifeline. The agency’s efforts have ensured the continued flow of oil and gas revenues, which are vital to Nigeria’s economic well-being.
Its significance extends beyond the realm of economics. It is a symbol of national pride, a testament to Nigeria’s ability to protect its sovereignty and defend its interests. The agency’s personnel: Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, Chairman, Mathew Tonlagha, Vice Chairman, Chief Kestin Pondi, the Managing Director and Tare Pondi, General Manager Operations and Technical, are the unsung heroes of Nigeria’s maritime domain, working tirelessly to ensure the security and stability of the nation’s waters.
The federal government should disregard the evil cry of satanic forces against Tantita and instead, continue to support the agency’s efforts to protect Nigeria’s maritime interests. Tantita’s work is crucial to the nation’s economic survival, and any attempts to undermine its efforts would be detrimental to the country’s well-being.
As we celebrate Tantita’s significance, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. The agency requires continued support and resources to effectively discharge its mandate. We must rally behind Tantita, providing it with the necessary tools and equipment to carry out its duties. By doing so, we can ensure the continued security and stability of Nigeria’s maritime domain and pave the way for a brighter economic future.
I hold strongly, that Tantita is more than just a maritime security agency; it is a guardian of Nigeria’s economic interests, a symbol of national pride, and a legendary hope for the nation’s future. Its significance cannot be overstated, and its efforts will continue to shape Nigeria’s economic destiny.
Prof. BEN BINEBAI
In a grand gesture of benevolence, His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has bestowed upon the land a monumental decree, approving a staggering N275 billion worth of transformative projects. This majestic initiative promises to reshape the very fabric of Delta State, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity.
The Governor’s visionary leadership has yielded a cascade of innovative endeavours, designed to elevate the lives of Delta State’s citizens. Some of the key projects include:
Two brand-new flyovers shall pierce the skies, one at Uromi Junction, a haven of progress in Ika, and the other at Otovwodo Junction, a beacon of hope in Ughelli. These structures shall not only ease trafficy congestion but also symbolize the Governor’s commitment to modernizing Delta State’s infrastructure.
A multitude of road projects shall crisscross Delta State, connecting key communities and fostering a spirit of unity and cooperation. These roads shall facilitate the movement of goods and services, stimulate economic growth, and improve the overall quality of life for Delta State’s citizens.
Critical hospital equipment shall be bestowed upon medical facilities, ensuring the well-being of Delta State’s subjects. This initiative shall enhance the state’s healthcare system, providing citizens with access to quality medical care and treatment.
Rural electrification projects shall bring light to the darkest corners of the realm, kindling a new era of productivity and growth. This initiative shall empower rural communities, stimulate economic activity, and improve the overall standard of living for Delta State’s citizens.
These bold initiatives, born from the wisdom of Governor Oborevwori’s leadership, shall transform Delta State, unlocking its true potential and securing a brighter future for generations to come. The people of Delta State shall rejoice, knowing that their Governor prioritizes their welfare and prosperity above all else.
As Delta State embarks on this journey of transformation, the Governor’s resolve remains unwavering. With a focus on transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance, His Excellency shall guide Delta State toward a future where progress knows no bounds. The Governor’s commitment to the people of Delta State is evident in his tireless efforts to improve their lives and create a more prosperous and equitable society.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s N275 billion development drive is a testament to his visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare and prosperity of Delta State’s citizens. These transformative projects shall reshape the state’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development. State’infrastructure,economy, and social fabric, ushering in a new era of growth, prosperity, and development.
Ben Binebai, Special Guest Columnist
For the attention of Bola Tinubu led Federal Government.
As the gods of old once decreed, the fate of nations hangs in the balance, awaiting the stroke of justice and equity. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is a divine imperative, a sacred mandate that echoes through the firmament, beckoning the attention of mortals and immortals alike. Like a mighty river bursting its banks, the collective voice of the Ijaw people thunders forth, demanding recognition and representation.
In this momentous hour, the very fabric of destiny trembles with anticipation. The stars align in propitious conjunction, signaling the dawn of a new era for the Niger Delta. The winds of change whisper secrets to the trees, as the earth itself begins to stir with the promise of renewal. The time for Toru-Ebe State is a time of reckoning, a moment when the threads of history are woven anew, and the fate of a people is forever sealed.
Toru-Ebe State creation stands as the authentic and lasting solution to the Ijaw people’s generational problems of balkanisation and political oppression. It is the key that unlocks the shackles of marginalisation, freeing the Ijaw nation from the chains of historical injustices. Toru-Ebe State will herald a new dawn of unity, purpose, and collective prosperity for the Ijaw people.
Let the clarion call of Toru-Ebe resound across the land, a celestial cry that shakes the foundations of power and awakens the slumbering giants of justice and equity. May the gods of the land smile upon this noble endeavour, guiding the hands of those who shape the destiny of nations. The creation of Toru-Ebe State is not merely a mortal desire; it is a divine necessity, a testament to the indomitable will of a people who refuse to be silenced.
Ben Binebai,
Special Guest Columnist